Erosion and Sediment Control

The City operates programs to reduce the discharge of pollutants from construction sites. Contractors for both large and small projects are held responsible for control of sediments and erosion. Measures used at a construction site must be effective in controlling erosion and sediment from leaving the site. The City provides guidelines for control measures, however allows flexibility so that responsible parties can determine the most economical, and effective means of erosion control for their specific site. It is much less expensive and less damaging to the environment to prevent erosion than to clean up after it has happened.

The City of Tampa�s Construction Services Center (CSC 813-274-3100) has information available that will help plan and implement these measures. Best management practices to reduce pollutants discharged during construction should be implemented. The City will inspect for such controls and enforce the requirement for control measures.

Prevent Pollution

What would the City of Tampa be without its water? The bays, the river, the many creeks and lakes all contribute to make this city what it is and we would be a poorer place without them. But just having water is not enough. If it is polluted, impaired, or unattractive it is no longer an asset. The biggest threat to clean waterways is polluted stormwater. Also, when rain cannot flow freely through the stormwater management system, flooding can be the result. It is not the Hillsborough River or the tidal waters of Tampa Bay that cause the most flooding in Tampa. It is rainfall from our frequent and sometimes intensely stormy weather.

Fish, frogs and plants all enjoy a good rain. But as rain flows off our rooftops, over our driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it gathers litter, chemicals, and other pollutants that have been improperly discarded. Rain then becomes polluted runoff water, which poses the number one threat to clean waterways. All waters that enter the storm drainage system ultimately flow to a natural water body such as a lake, stream, river, wetland or coastal water. This storm water needs to be able to flow through a clog free drain and come out at the end of the drainage pipe pollution free.